Schefflera digitata
Pate, also known as Seven finger, is a unique evergreen tree reaching 6-8 meters tall, instantly recognizable by its large palmate leaves with 5-10 finger-like leaflets radiating from a central point. This distinctive species has smooth pale bark and produces large branched clusters of small purple flowers followed by dark purple berries. Found throughout New Zealand's lowland and montane forests, it creates a bold tropical appearance while being surprisingly hardy. The unusual leaf structure and dramatic fruiting displays make it one of the most architecturally striking among New Zealand's native trees
Image credit: Pate (Schefflera digitata). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Schefflera digitata |
|---|---|
| Height | 6-8 meters |
| Spread | 4-6 meters |
| Water Needs | Moderate to high |
| Light | Partial shade to full sun |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate (hardy to -6°C) |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to fast |
| Lifespan | 80-150 years |
Pate grows throughout New Zealand from sea level to 1200 meters elevation in lowland and montane forests. It thrives in humid, temperate climates with consistent rainfall and good drainage. This species prefers sheltered positions with high humidity and performs best in areas with mild temperatures and protection from extreme weather.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Moderate |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Moderate |
| Dunedin | Moderate |
| Invercargill | Challenging |
Pate prefers fertile, well-drained forest soils:
Pate adapts well to forest light conditions:
Pate requires consistent moisture for optimal growth:
This versatile native plant offers multiple practical applications in landscaping and garden design, from providing ground cover and erosion control to creating habitat for native wildlife. The plant's natural characteristics make it valuable for restoration projects and sustainable gardening practices.
Pate naturally develops an attractive branching pattern and requires minimal pruning:
Use sharp, clean tools and be careful of the large compound leaves when pruning. Pate's architectural form is its main asset, so preserve the natural branching structure.
Plant Pate during warm months in late spring to early autumn when soil temperatures are favorable. This humidity-loving species establishes best when planted during optimal growing conditions with consistent moisture.
Choose a site with:
Provide consistent moisture, high humidity, and protection from harsh conditions during first 3-4 years. Pate requires more care during establishment than many natives but rewards effort with spectacular architectural beauty.
Pate propagates well from seed with proper technique:
Seedlings grow at a moderate pace and may flower within 6-10 years under good conditions.
Vegetative propagation can be successful with care:
Alternative method for difficult-to-root specimens:
Pate (patē) has held a special place in New Zealand's cultural heritage due to its distinctive appearance and versatile traditional uses:
Today, Pate is increasingly popular in contemporary native gardens and landscape design. Its bold architectural form makes it ideal for modern garden styles, while its wildlife value supports native bird populations. The species bridges the gap between native authenticity and contemporary design appeal.
Pate's large leaves and preference for humid conditions can make it more susceptible to fungal issues. Good air circulation while maintaining humidity is key to healthy growth.
Create a dramatic focal point by planting Pate in a sheltered courtyard or against a plain wall where its bold palmate leaves can be fully appreciated. The large compound leaves cast intricate shadows and create striking silhouettes, especially when uplighting is used. Pair with smaller ferns and mosses at ground level to create a lush, humid microenvironment that benefits the entire plant community.
Learn more about the cultural significance of native trees in Cultural Plants.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
Patē plays important ecological roles as a canopy tree in New Zealand's native forests, providing critical habitat structure through its distinctive branching pattern and large compound leaves that create specific microhabitats for epiphytes, invertebrates, and nesting birds. The tree's clusters of small flowers and subsequent berries provide important food resources for native birds including tūī, bellbirds, and silvereyes, while supporting diverse communities of native pollinators. Its rapid growth and ability to establish in disturbed areas make it valuable for forest succession and natural regeneration processes.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
While not currently threatened, patē faces ongoing challenges from browsing by introduced mammals, competition from invasive weeds, and habitat modification that can impact natural forest succession and regeneration. The species' relatively fast growth makes it valuable for restoration projects, but maintaining healthy populations requires management of browsing pressure and invasive species control. Conservation efforts focus on integrated pest management, habitat restoration, and promoting the species' use in native forest restoration where its roles as a pioneer species, wildlife habitat provider, and distinctive architectural element make it important for successful ecosystem recovery and biodiversity conservation.
This plant has cultural associations in Aotearoa and is valued in restoration and gardens for ecological services; use eco‑sourced stock near natural areas.
Patē was valued by Māori for both practical and medicinal purposes, with the soft, lightweight wood being used for making tools and implements when harder woods were not available, while various parts of the plant provided traditional medicines for treating ailments including stomach problems and respiratory conditions. The large, distinctive palmate leaves were occasionally used for wrapping and temporary shelter, while the plant's ability to indicate specific forest conditions made it important in traditional ecological knowledge. The species continues to hold cultural value as one of New Zealand's most distinctive native trees and features in contemporary forest restoration and cultural education programs.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
